Yellow Submarine Backpackers

I liked the general atmosphere, and the staff were nice. Still, there were a lot of bugs and roaches, and nothing seemed to get a thorough clean. Rats and mice showed up while I was there, though they did seem to take care of them. The Wi-Fi was the worst I’ve used in a hostel. It often cut out every night around 10, and at other times too. When it worked, it was okay. The only places to sit and eat were smoking areas, which could be annoying if you don’t smoke. A long-term guest often had his stereo on quite loudly in the common dining area, playing pop radio or action movies, which was annoying too.

I met plenty of good people here, and the rates are great. The kitchen seemed about as clean as at most hostels, though lots of guests left their dishes unwashed. Since it’s an old building, there was a bit of a smell. I was there in winter, and it wasn’t as bad as people make out.

The heat made the stay miserable. Other guests were lying in the hallways to get away from it, and I wouldn’t come here in summer. The fan provided was broken, brown, and taped to the wall, and it didn’t blow air. You could hear everything from the room, including a train going past across the road every six minutes. The fire doors were hanging off their hinges, the pool was so heavily chlorinated it burned my skin, the kitchen was grimy, and the women’s showers had no door. Maybe winter would be bearable, but this place doesn’t deserve even one star. I’d choose sleeping on the road over staying here.

The only thing going for this place is the low price. In hindsight, I should’ve paid $10 more a night for somewhere better nearby. It was hard to find, and the rooms looked stripped bare, with just four walls and a bed. There was no air conditioning, and the room was over 30 degrees. Reception was empty, so each time I had a question I had to call and wait five minutes. Things were disorganized too, and I had to ask other people where the kitchen was.